First Aid: Asthma Flare-Ups

During an asthma flare-up or attack, the airways in the lungs become irritated and swollen, making breathing more difficult. While some flare-ups are mild, others can be life threatening, so it's important to deal with them right away.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs of an asthma flare-up include:

wheezing

coughing

chest tightness

shortness of breath

Signs of a severe asthma flare-up may include:

trouble breathing even when sitting still

difficulty speaking without pausing

feeling tired or drowsy

blueness around the lips

the areas below the ribs, between the ribs, and in the neck sink in with each attempt to inhale

What to Do

If your child is having an asthma flare-up, be sure to follow his or her specific asthma treatment guidelines. Many doctors provide a detailed asthma action plan for their patients. Because each child's experience with asthma is different, each action plan will be too.

Seek Emergency Medical Care or Call 911

If Your Child:

begins to show signs of a severe flare-up

has a flare-up that enters the danger zone (red zone) of his or her action plan

Think Prevention!

Help prevent flare-ups by taking these steps:

Encourage and help your child to avoid substances that you know trigger flare-ups.

Make sure your child takes the long-term control medicine as directed by the doctor — even when your child feels well.

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology The ACAAI is an organization of allergists-immunologists and health professionals dedicated to quality patient care. Contact them at: American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology85 W. Algonquin RoadSuite 550 Arlington Heights, IL 60005(800) 842-7777

American Lung Association The mission of this group is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Contact the group at: American Lung Association61 Broadway, 6th FloorNY, NY 10006(212) 315-8700

Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics (AAN-MA) Through education, advocacy, community outreach, and research, AAN-MA hopes to eliminate suffering and fatalities due to asthma and allergies. AAN-MA offers news, drug recall information, tips, and more for treating allergies and asthma. Call: (800) 878-4403

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Definition: Asthma Flare-Up When a person has a lot of trouble with wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, it's called an asthma flare-up, or attack.

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